In many countries the role of public libraries is changing. In the Netherlands many neighborhood libraries were recently closed due to budget cuts by a neo-liberal government – in Indonesia there has never been a substantial public library system. Self-organized libraries have filled some of these gaps. In what significant political moment(s) did they arise? What impact do libraries have on local communities? Can a library function as a public safe space that is open to different voices? Which tactics are deployed by self-organized libraries to encourage uncensored and unrestricted access to information?

In this discussion KUNCI Cultural Studies Center and library will share their founding history just after reformasi, their collection and the way they run it. Rumah Baca Komunitas started in 2012 and runs a ‘fixed’ library and a mobile library (Perpustakaan Jalanan, started in 2014) (Perpustakaan Jalanan) – every sunday they can be found at Alun Alun Kidul where they, aside to providing books, create a space for debate on local issues that directly effect the lives of Jogja citizens. Eva Olthof is a visual artist living and working in Rotterdam. She is currently working at KUNCI, researching self organization and libraries. Before she has been doing research on public libraries in Germany and the USA.